Explain, in terms of electronegativity difference, why the bond in a molecule of HF is more polar than the bond in a molecule of HI.

Respuesta :

Answer:

Explanation:

Electronegativity is defined as the ability of an element to attract electrons that link it to another element.

The covalent bond (chemical bond between atoms where electrons are shared, forming a molecule. This bond is established between non-metallic elements) between two atoms can be polar or nonpolar.

When two atoms have different electronegativities, the one with the highest electronegativity will attract the electrons towards each other, generating a separation between the positive and negative charges. In this way a polar bond is produced, the polarity of which will be as the electronegativity difference between the bonded atoms is greater.

In this case you know the following electronegativities:

  • H=2.1
  • F=4.0
  • I=2.5

So the electronegativity differences in the HI and HCl compounds are:

  • HF =4.0 - 2.1= 1.9
  • HI = 2.5 - 2.1= 0.4

Both compounds have element H that is part of it, only differing in F and I. Since F has greater electronegativity than I, the difference in electronegativity in compound HF will be greater. Then the HF compound will be more polar.

ACCESS MORE
ACCESS MORE
ACCESS MORE
ACCESS MORE